The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) will enable farmer-producer organizations, processors, exporters, and agri-business service providers to receive one-to-one technical guidance to enhance their enterprises’ performance in the areas of production, productivity, quality compliance, value addition, and technology application under the European Union (EU) funded BESPA-FOOD program.

A call for proposals for enterprises in the food-sector value chain will be open till the 17th of September, 2023. The selection criteria will focus on enhancing value chain competitiveness, promoting economic growth, and fostering sustainable development. Priority will be given to enterprises engaged in the coconut, banana, cassava, and vanilla-based products or related services sectors. For more information -https://bit.ly/45Lyqvz

Under this program, a training series on technology applications for banana and cassava value-added products was organized in collaboration with the Food Research Unit (FRU) of the Department of Agriculture (DOA) on the 24^th and 25^th of August, 2023 in Gannoruwa, Peradeniya. The objective was to provide technological knowledge of banana and cassava value-added products among existing and new SMEs in each of the sectors.

“A significant part of Sri Lanka’s banana harvest goes to waste, which impacts both the environment and the people's income in making a living from the industry. Meanwhile, cassava’s adaptability to different soil and climatic conditions has made it a popular choice for many farmers. The UNIDO-BESPA project aims to increase the income potential of the two crops by reducing waste, increasing income, and improving food security. Additionally, the project will also work with the value chain to increase the export potential of these crops,” said UNIDO National Agribusiness Specialist, Sampath Senanayake.

Concepts of value-addition and new product development were demonstrated at the training by FRU experts on banana and cassava value chains to enhance products for wider market reach and gain a competitive advantage. FRU provided participants with an extensive knowledge of research and technical expertise at the training.

SMEs responding to the call for proposals for the technical assistance program will also receive similar training support in addition to support with digital Agri-tech solutions, packaging and labeling, standards compliance, certification and testing, product development and diversification, greening the supply chain and branding, advertising, and marketing activities.

UNIDO will also connect applicants with financial institutions and provide guidance on the drafting and implementation of action plans, and navigating market distribution strategies to access new, larger, stable, and more profitable markets here and abroad.